Ricky Dobbs taking it slow to start

Navy starting quarterback Ricky Dobbs was on the practice field Monday afternoon and appeared well on his way to a full recovery from surgery on January 21 to repair a cracked right knee cap.

Dobbs handled snaps in position drills and ran simulated plays with offensive teammates, and Coach Ken Niumatalolo said the senior would participate during spring practice in just about all phases.

"Just everything beside tackling," Niumatalolo said, "so when we interact against each other, he's out. But everything else that we do, our team, our fundamentals, he's going to be there."

Here's what Dobbs had to say about Navy's first practice of the spring:

Dobbs set an NCAA record with 27 rushing touchdowns by a quarterback and led the Midshipmen with 1,203 rushing yards. The co-captain added six passing touchdowns and threw for 1,031 yards.

After Monday's practice, Dobbs addressed how he plans to handle his recovery:

"It's going to require me making sure I listen to my body," he said, "and that's the main thing, listen to my body, and when I get those sharp pains to take a step back and like I said not overexert myself because I've just got to keep it in mind what's most important."

That would be making sure he's at full speed for Navy's season opener on Sept. 6 against Maryland at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

"From a mental standpoint, I'll be going 100 miles per hour," Dobbs said, "but you know, physically I'll be going like 80."